Local company closes in on $10,000 for M.O.T. Big Ball fundraiser

Thursday

Jul 18, 2013 at 3:29 PMJul 18, 2013 at 3:42 PM

Local company is one step closer to winning $10,000 for Middletown's Big Ball charity fundraiser. So far, they've managed to beat out 19 other companies to make it to the national competition but winning still requires quite a bit of public support.

Christine Miller, Arts & EntertainmentTwitter: @302Do

Over the past few weeks, local company eZanga.com has been competing in an online social media competition in the hopes of winning $10,000 for the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon, a charity fundraiser that affects local families.

But, the company hasn't done it alone. So far, the the Middletown community has come together on social media so that eZanga could triumph over nineteen Philadelphia-based companies during four elimination rounds.

Last week, eZanga received the exciting news that they won their local #socialmadness competition and would advance to nationals. As the Philadelphia victor in the medium category, eZanga.com will be pitted against 39 companies from across the nation over five additional elimination rounds. Each round is six days and only the top percent of each round will advance to the next level.

In a contest that relies on social media engagement and reach, one may strategize that in order tonwin big, choosing a nationally supported non-profit would have been a good move. Rich Kahn, CEO and co-founder of eZanga, views the competition in a different light. "For ten years, the families of eZanga have lived, worked and played in the M.O.T. area. We have witnessed the positive impact that Big Ball has had on our community firsthand," says Kahn. "We realize that a small town in a small state might have a hard time in a national competition, but we've made it this far, and we are optimistic that we can still make a big difference."

When Kate Rokosz, the coordinator of the Big Ball Marathon received the news, she said that tears came to her eyes. "The Big Ball Marathon committee is deeply grateful to eZanga for this opportunity to spread awareness about our efforts in helping our local neighbors in need," states Kate. "So many people send me messages asking how they can help. This has been a true community experience. "

For those interested in helping eZanga.com and the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon reach their goal, they can vote daily for eZanga under the 'medium' category on the Philadelphia Business Journal's website. Additional points can be earned by interacting with eZanga's LinkedIn and Facebook pages and by engaging with the @eZangaInc twitter handle.

Catrina Sharp, Marketing Manager at eZanga, encourages people to go beyond the vote and join the conversation to help earn points. "We are having fun! Many participants would attribute 'bacon' to our success. Our goal is to win, but we want to laugh in the process and driving conversation across our social media channels has been the M.V.P. in the competition so far."

According to Sharp, there are a few local businesses have stepped up to the plate to help eZanga and M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon win $10,000 for the community. "Some of the companies that we are up against will have large numbers behind them, so we are so thankful to the organizations that have committed to helping us vote and spread the word about the contest."

These notable organizations are 1861 Restaurant, the Delaware Mud Run, St. Andrews School, Blue Rock Financial Group, Pretzel Boy's, Jake's Burgers of Middletown, Fromage, The Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce and The New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

The Social Madness Nationals competition kicked off on Tuesday and the winners will be announced on Tuesday, August 20. For more information on how to participate, you can contact Catrina Sharp at csharp@eZanga.com